West Hill and West End Neighborhood Plan€¦ · Web viewExecutive Summary. In June 2013, the...

[2014]

Prepared by the West Hill

and West End Neighborhoods

West Hill and West End Neighborhood Plan


Executive Summary

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In June 2013, the neighborhood associations in the West Hill and West End came together under the facilitation of the Arbor Hill Development Corporation (AHDC) to develop a neighborhood plan that would empower their community which, for so long, was perceived as having little voice in charting its future. With few existing planning efforts, the communities brainstormed opportunities for improvement within the neighborhoods. These ideas acted as the basis for three zones of interest that comprise the framework of the West Hill and West End Neighborhood Plan, as follows:

Welcoming Environment

West Hill and West End are desirable places to live because of their safe and walkable streets, historic architecture, range of housing choices, mixed-use neighborhood centers, quality schools, park and recreation facilities and easy access to Downtown Albany. The priorities for creating a welcoming environment in West Hill and West End are housing, public safety, and neighborhood revitalization.

Thriving Economy

West Hill and West End are destinations for work, play and tourism that embrace and connect with centers of government, education, worship, healthcare, employment and the arts. The West Hill and West End neighborhoods are hosts to and beneficiaries of a vibrant mix of business, residential, educational, and cultural and entertainment uses and are connected to the Hudson River waterfront. The priorities for creating a thriving economy in West Hill and West End are business attraction, job creation, and transportation.

World Class Education/World Class Workforce

West Hill and West End nurtures their most valuable resources…the people, by promoting educational excellence at all levels. The Albany City School District, the Albany Public Library System, and the City’s Colleges and Universities partner with the neighborhoods in initiatives to enrich the educational and career aspirations of the youth; expand economic opportunities; enhance workforce skills; and promote lifelong learning. The priorities for creating a world class education/world class workforce in West Hill and West End are university/school/community

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Executive Summary

collaborations; birth to career opportunity pipeline/services; workforce forecasting, development/placement/retention/advancement; and lifelong learning.

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Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary.....................................................................................................................i

Table of Contents........................................................................................................................ii

List of Figures............................................................................................................................iv

List of Tables...............................................................................................................................v

Planning Process..........................................................................................................................6

Proposed Timeline.......................................................................................................................7

Steering Committee......................................................................................................................8

Community Meetings on Zones of Interest..................................................................................8

Action Teams...............................................................................................................................8

Stoop Survey................................................................................................................................9

Neighborhood Summits.............................................................................................................12

Welcoming Environment.........................................................................................................23

Vision & Priorities................................................................................................................23

Goals, Objectives & Strategies...........................................................................................23

Implementation.......................................................................................................................27

Thriving Economy.....................................................................................................................28



Implementation.......................................................................................................................30

World Class Education/World Class Workforce................................................................31


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Table of Contents


Implementation.......................................................................................................................34

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Table of Contents

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: West Hill & West End Neighborhood Planning Timeline ............................................... 7

Figure 2: First Neighborhood Summit Advertisements ................................................................ 13

Figure 3: Ground Rules Poster at First Neighborhood Summit ................................................... 15

Figure 4: Sample Zones of Interest Poster from First Neighborhood Summit ............................. 14

Figure 5: Zones of Interest Work at First Neighborhood Summit ................................................ 16

Figure 6: Voting at First Neighborhood Summit .......................................................................... 16

Figure 7: Youth Work at First Neighborhood Summit ................................................................. 17

Figure 8: Youth Engagement at First Neighborhood Summit ...................................................... 17

Figure 9: Youth Discussing Neighborhood Change at First Summit ........................................... 18

Figure 10: Advertisement for Upcoming Planning Events in West Hill & West End ................. 19

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Table of Contents

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Welcoming Environment Implementation Matrix…………………………………….26

Table 2: Thriving Economy Implementation Matrix....................................................................29

Table 3: World Class Education & Workforce Implementation Matrix......................................33

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Planning Process

PLANNING PROCESS

In June 2013, the neighborhood associations in the West Hill and West End came together under the facilitation of the Arbor Hill Development Corporation (AHDC) to develop a neighborhood plan that would empower their community which, for so long, was perceived as having little voice in charting its future. The community recognized the need for organized planning within the neighborhoods given the high levels of distress coupled with the low levels of opportunity.

Over the first few months multiple community meetings were held as an effort to foster participation from local residents, organizations, business owners and all other stakeholders interested in taking part in the planning process. During these meetings the foundation was laid for the process moving forward with the creation of the following:

A Proposed Timeline for how the process would progress; A Steering Committee consisting of the Neighborhood Associations and other key

stakeholders that would lead the planning process; Community Meetings based on Zones of Interest developed through a visioning

process that would guide the community in the development of ideas; Action Teams based on the zones of interest that would act as the creative producers of

ideas and report back to the Steering Committee; A Stoop Survey collecting ideas from the community; A series of Neighborhood Summits bringing the community together to form strategies

for the future.

In the fall of 2013, the Department of Geography and Planning at the University at Albany agreed to work with the AHDC to assist in the planning process through their Planning Studio. The scope of work for the Planning Studio included attending meetings, providing written documentation of discussions, developing a community survey, and assisting with the first Neighborhood Summit.

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WHAT IS A NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN?

Neighborhood plans are sets of recommendations about how to improve a given area of a city based on an analysis of data collected about the area and generally representing the unified opinion among stakeholders (residents and others) who have participated in organizing the plan. (Jones, 1990)


Planning Process

PROPOSED TIMELINE

The proposed timeline was developed to act as a guideline for how the planning process should progress. It details the structure of the process leading up to the development of a neighborhood plan including meetings, outreach, neighborhood summits, and presentations.

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Figure 1: West Hill & West End Neighborhood Planning Timeline


Planning Process

STEERING COMMITTEE

The Steering Committee was formed to act as a leading body for the planning process moving forward. This group consists of local leaders that have been active in the community through their organizations, which include:

West Hill Neighborhood Association West Hill Spirit West End Neighborhood Association Lexington Avenue Stakeholders The Central Business Improvement District The Black Chamber of Commerce Pioneer Savings Bank

The Steering Committee was tasked with keeping the planning process alive while the plan is developed, once it is finalized, and through continued promotion and advocacy thereafter.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS ON ZONES OF INTEREST

The zones of interest for the West Hill and West End Neighborhood Plan were developed through a visioning process at the June 4, 2013 neighborhood planning meeting, and align with the following Albany 2030 Comprehensive Plan vision components: (1) safe, livable neighborhoods, (2) model education system, (3) vibrant urban center, (4) multi-modal transportation hub, and (6) prosperous economy. The zones of interest and the visions that were developed served as the basis for brainstorming sessions at community meetings throughout the process.

ACTION TEAMS

The action teams were established to act as the producers of ideas and suggestions for the three zones of interest. These groups were tasked with producing the contents from which the goals and objectives of the plan were established. They consist of local residents, businesses, and stakeholders who have identified a particular interest in one of those three areas.

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Planning Process

STOOP SURVEY

The stoop survey contributed to the planning process by providing a method for connecting with members of the community, collecting their ideas, and encouraging them to broader and deeper participation in the process. Stoop surveying was done by walking through the neighborhood and approaching people who were sitting on their stoops or front porches. They offered the opportunity to communicate with community members one-on-one, give them ownership of the plan, and help establish leaders in the planning process. It was also the perfect opportunity to promote future events and meetings.

The purpose of the Neighborhood Stoop Survey was to engage the community in the neighborhood planning process and begin a larger conversation about the future of the West Hill and West End neighborhoods. In addition, it provided a valuable opportunity to invite citizens to the upcoming Neighborhood Summit where the results of the survey would be announced and attendees would be able to participate in a community dialogue.

DEVELOPING & REVISING THE SURVEY

The fall 2013 Planning Studio was tasked with drafting the Neighborhood Stoop Survey, and did so in September 2013. Neighborhood surveys were collected from other communities across the nation through an internet search to get an idea of how to develop the West Hill and West End neighborhood survey. The compiled surveys were discussed in class, where pros and cons were identified, discussed, and analyzed. This process resulted in a “best practices” list that was incorporated into the first survey draft for the West Hill and West End neighborhoods. The best practices list included open-ended questions and categorical questions that ranked the quality of neighborhood services and characteristics. This type of survey was expected to yield the most useful results for statistical analysis. The statistical analysis was to be disseminated to the community at the Neighborhood Summit.

The first survey draft was reviewed by the Director of the Arbor Hill Development Corporation (AHDC) and the fall 2013 Studio instructor, who made suggestions for improvement. These changes resulted in a refinement of the ranking system and alteration of the survey format. This amended survey was printed for direct community input (See Appendix A for original and final survey versions).

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Planning Process

At a community meeting held on September 25, 2013 residents commented and gave feedback on the new survey. The community had some concerns about the survey. Some residents questioned the purpose of the survey and asked what would be done with the information collected. Others questioned the length of the survey and shared concerns about the community’s skill to properly administer it. After hearing these comments, the survey underwent a final revision, resulting in general, open-ended questions only. This survey was later approved by the Director of the AHDC.

SURVEY DISTRIBUTION

A map was developed that separated the neighborhoods into nine zones for survey distribution. The map was generated by using Google Maps to create walking routes. This method was adopted to make the surveying process easier and more manageable.

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FINAL NEIGHBORHOOD STOOP SURVEY QUESTIONS:

What is your connection to the West End/West Hill neighborhood?

20 years from now, what do you want West Hill/West End to be known for?

What do you think are the three greatest strengths of the community?

What do you think are the biggest challenges within this community?


Planning Process

Surveying was conducted during the week of October 14, 2013 to October 21, 2013. Surveys were given to clergy members to solicit participation and support from the faith-based community. Students of the fall 2013 Planning Studio canvassed as many routes as possible while working in groups of two or more; most sections that was covered were residential zones. Unfortunately, all routes were not covered as there were not enough people to cover the area.

While engaging the community, students approached residents and introduced themselves as working with the neighborhood associations of West Hill and West End. Students then asked the open-ended survey questions in a conversational manner, with at least one student taking notes on what the community member said. At the end of the conversation, postcards were distributed, inviting them and anyone they knew to attend the First Neighborhood Summit. While some residents were cooperative with answering questions, others declined. Some residents reported that they participated in numerous surveys in the past, without seeing any improvements. Others were uncertain of who the students represented and were skeptical about having their answers recorded.

RESULTS

After canvassing the community for a week, 29 survey responses had been collected. The overwhelming majority of people surveyed were residents-- 86 percent of survey respondents. There was a plurality of responses to the individual survey questions. When asked what they wanted to see in their community within 20 years, 38 percent of respondents agreed on rehabilitating abandoned buildings and vacant lots. Additionally, 38 percent of respondents agreed that a good sense of community was among one of the West Hill and West End neighborhoods’ greatest strengths. The next two most frequently agreed upon strengths were parks and open space, and that people in the neighborhoods are willing to help each other. Thirty eight percent of respondents agreed that crime, safety and violence posed the greatest challenge to their community. The next two most agreed upon challenges were teenage violence and poor infrastructure.

CONCLUSION

In rehabilitating the community, abandoned buildings and vacant lots should be a priority. The Broken Window Theory supports the idea that abandoned and vandalized properties will result in more vandalized properties, which off-balances crime and safety within the community. Since there is a strong desire to rehabilitate distressed properties and the community views these as the greatest challenge to its future, the issue must be addressed with urgency.

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“We’ve

done this before!”


Planning Process

NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMITS

A series of neighborhood summits were planned as a productive way of bringing together members of the community to share ideas, address concerns and form strategies for the future. They provided the opportunity to gather as much input as possible within a structured setting. It gave the leaders of the planning process the opportunity to share the highlights of the planning process so far, allowing all participants to be caught up to speed and on the same page. In order to assure maximum productivity, the neighborhood summits were planned at a time that would yield the highest attendance and organized in a way that was efficient and made the community feel welcome and involved in the process.

FIRST NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT-OCTOBER 26, 2013

The first West Hill and West End neighborhood summit took place on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 10am to 2pm at Sheridan Preparatory Academy, located at 400 Sheridan Avenue. Around twenty adults and ten youth attended; breakfast and lunch were provided.

PREPARING FOR THE FIRST SUMMIT

The first West Hill and West End Neighborhood Summit was planned through collaboration between the Arbor Hill Development Corporation (AHDC) and the University at Albany, SUNY, fall 2013 Planning Studio. The goal of this event was to educate the community on the process and brainstorm ideas based on the three zones of interest.

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OTHER COMMUNITY CHALLENGES

Garbage RemovalFightsDrugsLiter

Hard to get groceries

OTHER RECOGNIZED COMMUNITY STRENGTHS

SchoolsPeople

Public TransitNew ParksWalkability

Figure 2: First Neighborhood Summit Advertisements


Planning Process

The Neighborhood Summit was advertised to community members in two manners. When SUNY Studio students surveyed the various zones of the neighborhoods approximately one week before the event, they handed out postcards that advertised the Summit (front and back of postcard shown below). Approximately two days before the Summit, SUNY Studio students canvassed the neighborhoods, placing flyer advertisements in doors and railings throughout the neighborhoods (flyer shown below).

The Arbor Hill Development Corporation and Studio students met at the school to finalize space layouts for the Summit. Schematics for each of the following spaces were subsequently prepared (see Appendices B-D).

Attendees were welcomed at a table immediately inside the school entrance, and asked to sign into the event. Attendees were then directed to the cafeteria for breakfast. Posters explaining neighborhood planning and the process lined the hallway to the cafeteria (see Appendices E-H). Middle to high-school aged youth was directed to the gymnasium for youth activities. Elementary-aged youth were directed to a kindergarten classroom for additional youth activities.

In advance of the Summit, facilitators and volunteers were given instructions for their various activities. These instructions were prepared for each role at the Summit (see Appendix I). The Studio worked with AHDC to develop an extensive supply list for the Summit, which was utilized in purchasing supplies for the activities as well as the food (see Appendix J). The Arbor Hill Development Corporation prepared the agenda for the Summit (see Appendix K).

SUMMIT STRUCTURE

The West Hill and West End Neighborhood Summit began with the prompt of dreaming about the future of West Hill and West End – what the neighborhoods would look like in the future. It

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Figure 3: Sample Zones of Interest Poster from First Neighborhood Summit


Planning Process

was then explained that to achieve those dreams, the neighborhood planning process needed to share a vision that the plan itself would build upon.

The summit facilitator continued to introduce the neighborhood planning process by detailing outcomes that the process had already yielded.

The core values of this neighborhood planning process include:

Participatory, inclusive, evidence-based, collaborative, community-driven and owned by the stakeholders of West Hill and West End as defined by the neighborhoods, and empowered, capacity-focused development.

This was translated into the following community statement:

We acknowledge and deal with the challenges of our community from a position of STRENGTH, powered by INFORMATION, LOVE and OUR ABILITY to see beyond our current condition!

Concerns for the West Hill and West End neighborhoods identified through previous meetings included: exploitation, neighborhood gentrification, and displacement of current residents; connecting with the City of Albany 2030 Comprehensive Plan; sensitivity in scheduling; and engaging the youth.

Ground rules were posted at the entrance to the cafeteria (shown at right), and were also read to the participants prior to the zones of interest workshops. The ground rules follow: active participation is encouraged; role of facilitator is to guide the process; one microphone at a time; every idea is worthwhile; no judging or holding back; honor time restraints; have fun; and utilize this day and its outcomes as a basis for future work.

ZONES OF INTEREST

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Figure 4: Ground Rules Poster at First Neighborhood Summit


Planning Process

The zones of interest for the West Hill and West End Neighborhood Plan were developed as a strategy for approaching the neighborhood planning process. They were developed through a visioning process at the June 4, 2013 neighborhood planning meeting, and align with the following Albany 2030 Comprehensive Plan vision components: (1) safe, livable neighborhoods, (2) model education system, (3) vibrant urban center, (4) multi-modal transportation hub, and (5) prosperous economy.

The zones of interest and the visions that were developed specifically for West Hill and West End neighborhood plan are as follows:

Welcoming Environment – West Hill and West End are desirable places to live because of their safe and walkable streets, historic architecture, range of housing choices, mixed-use neighborhood centers, quality schools, parks and recreation facilities and easy access to Downtown Albany and job centers.

Thriving Economy – West Hill and West End are destinations for work, play and tourism that embrace and connect with centers of government, education, worship, healthcare, employment and the arts. West Hill and West End neighborhoods are hosts to and beneficiaries of a vibrant mix of business, residential, educational, and cultural and entertainment uses and are connected to the Hudson River waterfront.

World Class Education/World Class Workforce – West Hill and West End nurture their most valuable resources…their people, by promoting educational excellence at all levels. The Albany City School District, the Albany Public Library System, and the City’s Colleges and Universities partner with the neighborhoods in initiatives to enrich the educational and career aspirations of their youth; expand economic opportunities; enhance workforce skills; and promote lifelong learning.

THE MOVABLE FEAST

After the neighborhood planning process was explained and the intentions for the summit were introduced, the attendees were broken into three groups of relatively equal numbers. Each group was placed at one of the three zones of interest (welcoming environment, thriving economy, world class education/world class workforce). A facilitator at each station then guided them through the process of identifying the assets, challenges, opportunities, and barriers related to each zone of interest within West Hill and West End.

When discussing assets, participants were asked – what do we have?

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Figures 3: Zones of Interest Work at First Neighborhood Summit

Figures 4: Voting at First Neighborhood Summit


Planning Process

When discussing challenges, participants were asked – what do we need?

When discussing opportunities, participants were asked – what can we do with what we have?

When discussing barriers, participants were asked – what can keep us from change?

At each zone of interest station, participants were given twenty minutes to discuss the questions above. At the end of one twenty minute session, the group of participants would rotate to another station. This rotation happened once more, so that each group of participants had discussed each of the three zones of interest.

Once the participants had rotated through discussing the zones of interest, they began a new rotation to vote at each station. Participants were given six stickers and five minutes to vote for their top three opportunities and challenges at each zone of interest station. This rotation occurred once more, so that each participant was able to vote on the opportunities and challenges that they felt best needed to be represented in the neighborhood plan for each zone of interest. These outcomes are discussed by zone of interesting Appendices L, M, and N; the ideas generated have been incorporated into the goals, objectives, and strategies identified for each zone of interest.

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Figure 5: Youth Work at First Neighborhood Summit

Figure 6: Youth Engagement at First Neighborhood Summit


Planning Process

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Youth participation was a critical focus within the West Hill and West End neighborhood planning process. At the First Neighborhood Summit, there were two areas for youth, distinguished by age group. This was intended both to give them an area to speak freely regarding their neighborhoods, and to allow the adults to focus on the summit process in the school cafeteria, knowing their children were being cared for responsibly.

Youth aged from middle through high-school were encouraged to join activities at the Summit in the school gymnasium. There they were guided through similar activities as the adults, identifying assets, opportunities, challenges, and barriers for the same three zones of interest. There were enough youth participants to form one group that worked through the conversation together. While they did not continue the process of voting on the ideas generated, their ideas were presented to the adult group, and are represented in Appendices L, M, and N. Youth ideas were also incorporated into the plan elements

Youth younger than middle school age were encouraged to spend their time in a kindergarten classroom working on activities with volunteers. They were offered newsprint, coloring sheets, and Legos to draw and/or build what they would like in their community. Many youth focused on greater park and recreation access, as well as increasing the number of trees in the neighborhoods. Children were able to show these projects to their parents, as well as take their work home.

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Figure 7: Youth Discussing Neighborhood Change at First Summit


Planning Process

ZONES OF INTEREST RESULTS

There were several themes that emerged across the three zones of interest categories.

There are a number of assets in the West Hill and West End neighborhoods, including: parks, Brownstones, available housing stock, positive people, as well as arts and culture.

The AHDC would like to work with the Steering Committee to further discuss specific barriers for the neighborhoods.

The challenges for the neighborhoods include: vacancies, lack of resources, and conflicting information (for example regarding community centers and youth after-school programs).

Opportunities for the West Hill and West End neighborhoods include: changing media perceptions; improving neighborhood conditions; changing public perceptions regarding fear; improving access; improving communication, collaboration, and cooperation among residents.

For Full Zones of Interest Results, see Appendix L.

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Figure 8: Advertisement for Upcoming Planning Events in West Hill & West End


Planning Process

PLANNING FOR THE NEXT SUMMIT

Once all of the opportunities and challenges for the zones of interest were presented by the adults and youth, all attendees were asked for their opinion of ways to improve the next neighborhood summit. The ideas generated follow.

Increase publicity for the summit; potentially tie youth engagement to classroom curriculum in the Albany Public Schools; encourage the schools to advertise the next summit to students as well as their caregivers; develop a youth steering committee; invite the media to the summit; and advertise the summit on local media outlets.

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SECOND NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT-FEBRUARY 27, 2014

[This Section is Reserved]

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THIRD NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT

[This Section is Reserved]

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WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT

VISION & PRIORITIES

West Hill and West End are desirable places to live because of their safe and walkable streets, historic architecture, range of housing choices, mixed-use neighborhood centers, quality schools, park and recreation facilities and easy access to Downtown Albany.

At the West End and West Hill neighborhood meetings the Welcoming Environment committee developed three priorities that the neighborhoods needed to concentrate on. The following were identified as focus areas:

Housing Public Safety Neighborhood Revitalization

GOALS, OBJECTIVES & STRATEGIES

The following goals, objectives, and strategies were developed utilizing the ideas generated by community members at the community meetings (see Appendix L). They represent a path to achieving the success that the community desires in developing a welcoming environment in West Hill and West End.

Goal 1: Improve the housing stock in the West Hill and West End neighborhoods.

Objective 1: Improve the exterior appearance of housing and streets in West Hill and West End.

Strategy 1A: Establish a neighborhood beautification committee to plan and advertise neighborhood beautification events.

Strategy 1B: Work with tenants to contact property owners for permission to beautify (make exterior changes to) properties.

Strategy 1C: [This Section is Reserved]

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Objective 2: Reinvest in vacant buildings within the West Hill and West End neighborhoods.

Strategy 2A: Identify vacant properties available for purchase and rehabilitation.

Strategy 2B: Access affordable housing opportunities to invest in vacant properties.


Objective 3: Increase landlord involvement in property maintenance.

Strategy 3A: Work with tenants to identify absent landlords.

Strategy 3B: Coordinate with Albany Code Enforcement to review exterior housing conditions.

Strategy 3C: Work with Albany Code Enforcement to contact absent landlords about bringing their properties up to code.

Strategy 3D: [This Section is Reserved]

Objective 4: [This Section is Reserved]

Goal 2: Improve public safety in the West Hill and West End neighborhoods.

Objective 1: Work with the Albany Police Department to improve neighborhood-police relations.

Strategy 1A: Develop a police relations committee to exclusively communicate with the Police Department on this initiative.

Strategy 1B: Create an inventory of current police presence in the neighborhoods, such as sub-stations, cameras, and neighborhood engagement officers.

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Strategy 1C: Utilizing the inventory developed in Strategy 1B, work with the Police Department to develop a list of changes that would make neighborhood residents feel safer.


Objective 2: Work with the Albany Police Department to improve neighborhood watch efforts.

Strategy 2A: Formalize a neighborhood watch committee to exclusively communicate with the Police Department on this initiative.

Strategy 2B: Create an inventory of neighborhood watch procedures in the neighborhood.

Strategy 2C: Utilizing the inventory developed in Strategy 2B, work with the Police Department to develop a list of changes to neighborhood watch procedures that would make neighborhood residents feel safer.



Goal 3: Rebrand the West Hill and West End neighborhoods.

Objective 1: Improve the outward appearance of the neighborhoods.

Strategy 1A: Create welcoming gateways along heavily-traveled corridors (Ex. Henry Johnson, Central Avenue). This could include banners hung on light posts or potted plants along the sidewalks.

Strategy 1B: Utilize vacant lots in the neighborhoods for community gardens.

Strategy 1C: Organize a park clean-up day for parks throughout the neighborhoods.

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Strategy 1D: Promote holiday decorations to business and housing occupants.

Strategy 1E: [This Section is Reserved]

Objective 2: Improve public perception of the West Hill and West End neighborhoods.

Strategy 2A: Formalize a media partnership that covers the West Hill and West End plan implementation process.

Strategy 2B: Contact local media outlets to cover positive neighborhood activities.

Strategy 2C: Work with small businesses in the neighborhood to advertise their West Hill or West End business on local media outlets (radio, television, print, etc.).



Goal 4: [This Section is Reserved]

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IMPLEMENTATION

The following table is provided as a guide for use as strategies develop and the process moves toward funding and implementation. The use of a chart to organize the various suggested actions by priority (timeframe) and responsible party can be helpful in monitoring progress.

Insert a Strategy H

ere

Action

Responsible

PartyE

stimated

Cost

Funding Source

26



Tim

eframe

27


Thriving Economy

THRIVING ECONOMY

VISION & PRIORITIES

West Hill and West End are destinations for work, play and tourism that embrace and connect with centers of government, education, worship, healthcare, employment and the arts. The West Hill and West End neighborhoods are hosts to and beneficiaries of a vibrant mix of business, residential, educational, and cultural and entertainment uses, and are connected to the Hudson River waterfront.

A focus on:

Business Attraction Job Creation Transportation


The following goals, objectives and strategies are based on concerns and ideas vocalized by community members at numerous meetings and events during the planning process (see Appendix M). They represent the vision of the community for how the West Hill and West End neighborhoods can support a thriving economy.

Goal 1: Provide access to trade and vocational training to West Hill and West End residents.

Objective 1: Utilize professionals within the community to mentor and train residents.

Strategy 1A: Search for local professionals with vocational & trade skills to serve as instructors.

Strategy 1B: Organize locations that can be utilized for teaching sessions.


Objective 2: Partner with local schools to provide trade and vocational training.

Strategy 2A: Work with the local schools to organize after school workshops for youth on trade and vocational careers and training.

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Thriving Economy

Strategy 2B: [This Section is Reserved]


Goal 2: Strengthen established businesses and encourage new businesses open within the West Hill and West End neighborhoods.

Objective 1: Provide interview training to increase employment among local residents.

Strategy 1A: Organize local professionals that can train people actively looking for work on interview and resume building strategies.


Objective 2: Improve business accessibility through multi-modal transportation within West Hill and West End.

Strategy 1A: Work with the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) to address concerns about public transportation in the neighborhoods.

Strategy 2B: Inventory infrastructure issues and needs within West Hill and West End.

Strategy 2C: Provide findings on infrastructure needs to the City and suggest ideas for improving access for all modes (driving, walking, bicycling, etc.).


Objective 3: Market the neighborhood to attract long-term business investments.

Strategy 3A: Work with the Central Avenue Business Improvement District to market local businesses and investment opportunities.




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Thriving Economy

IMPLEMENTATION


Insert a Strategy Here

Action

Responsible

PartyE

stimated

Cost

Funding Source

Tim

eframe

30


World Class Education & Workforce

WORLD CLASS EDUCATION/WORLD CLASS WORKFORCE

VISION & PRIORITIES

West Hill and West End nurtures their most valuable resources…the people, by promoting educational excellence at all levels. The Albany City School District, the Albany Public Library System, and the City’s Colleges and Universities partner with the neighborhoods in initiatives to enrich the educational and career aspirations of the youth; expand economic opportunities; enhance workforce skills; and promote lifelong learning.

A focus on:

University/School/Community Collaborations Birth to Career Education Opportunity Pipeline/Services Workforce Forecasting, Development/Placement/Retention/Advancement Lifelong Learning


The following goals, objectives, and strategies were developed utilizing the ideas generated by community members at the three community meetings (see Appendix N). They represent a path to achieving the success that the community desires in developing a world class education system and world class workforce in West Hill and West End.

Goal 1: Make adult education more accessible in the West Hill and West End neighborhoods.

Objective 1: Communicate existing opportunities for adult education in the neighborhoods.

Strategy 1A: Inventory available adult education in the neighborhoods and city.

Strategy 1B: Create and distribute pamphlets that highlight available opportunities for residents.


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Objective 2: Expand adult education opportunities within the neighborhoods.

Strategy 2A: Work with community groups to develop a matrix of desired adult education offerings for the neighborhoods.

Strategy 2B: Work with local colleges and universities to develop a course of action for implementing the offerings desired by the neighborhoods.



Goal 2: Families that need after-school care are able to utilize it.

Objective 1: Inventory and distribute information on all after-school programs offered by the schools and within the communities.

Strategy 1A: Meet with the school system and community leaders to develop a list of available after-school programs.

Strategy 1B: Confirm the details of each after-school program (days, hours, activities, transportation).

Strategy 1C: Create and distribute a document that includes the information generated above.


Objective 2: Ensure that families are able to find after-school program transportation.

Strategy 2A: Identify existing transportation modes and routes available after-school for students.

Strategy 2B: Identify transportation needs for after-school care.


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Goal 3: Improve connections between schools and neighborhoods.

Objective 1: Engage the school system in the neighborhood plan.

Strategy 1A: Establish a regular meeting schedule with school system representatives.

Strategy 1B: Create a working group to communicate and collaborate with the neighborhood planning process with the school system.

Strategy 1C: Confirm a school representative for the neighborhood plan implementation committee.


Objective 2: Improve mentoring opportunities that connect school and neighborhoods.

Strategy 2A: Work with the school system to develop a mentoring program for willing teachers and students.

Strategy 2B: Work with senior organizations to develop a mentoring program that engages willing seniors with youth.




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IMPLEMENTATION


Insert

a Strategy H

ere

Action

Responsible

PartyE

stimated

Cost

Funding Source

Tim

eframe

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